What can shift when organizations look outside the box to fill gaps together? This discussion is part of our Inclusion Table Talks, a series of CCDI's Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham podcast which dives deeper into pressing issues in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Joining us to explore these ideas are two guests: Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre, an organization committed to preparing Canadians for the next chapter of work, and Zahra Ebrah...
In this special International Youth Day episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, Anne-Marie sits down with Ken Lima-Coelho, who is a dynamic storyteller, community builder, and President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area. With over 25 years of experience spanning broadcasting, the arts, and youth-focused initiatives, Ken has dedicated his career to amplifying voices, building connections, and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. During their co...
How can Canada move forward in building a truly inclusive society in the face of growing polarization and resistance to DEI efforts? In this new episode of Inclusion Table Talks, CCDI's new sub-series of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, Anne-Marie sits down with Senator Andrew Cardozo, public policy expert, community leader, and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout his career, Senator Cardozo has held leadership roles across government, regulatory bodies, and civil socie...
“How can we break the Bamboo Ceiling and build a more inclusive Canada?” In honour of Asian Heritage Month this May, we are thrilled to welcome Teresa Woo-Pawn for this inspiring episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. As a trailblazer in human rights advocacy, Teresa made history by becoming the first Asian Canadian woman elected to the Alberta legislature. Throughout her career, Teresa collaborated with diverse communities across Canada to promote inclusivity and equitable representat...
Our latest podcast continues the new series, Inclusion Table Talks, which is included in our regular programming. In this episode, Anne-Marie Pham speaks with Jake Stika, Executive Director at Next Gen Men, about men's essential role in the DEIA ecosystem. Jake reminds us of the damaging impact of perpetuating our patriarchal system and how his organization is actively working to include men and boys not only for allyship but also benefactors whose life experiences are valued and important. &...
CCDI is pleased to introduce 'Inclusion Table Talks', a new sub-series of our podcast: Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. This series brings together CCDI's Employer Partners and thought leaders for in-depth discussions on the growing anti-DEI rhetoric and its impact on our collective vision of building a more inclusive Canada. We'll explore what DEIA truly is and isn't, address common misconceptions, and discuss the profound impact DEIA has had and continues to have on workplaces acros...
As we enter 2025, CCDI is excited to launch Season 4 of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. In the first episode of the year, we reflect on the challenges we face in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. Positive psychologist Kimberley Wakefield joins us to share insights and tips for how to navigate 2025 with good intentions and the skills needed to take care of our mental well-being. We start our conversation by defining positive psychology and how it differs from traditiona...
Each year, on December 3rd, the United Nations observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Systemic, cultural, and attitudinal challenges underscore the importance of creating inclusive and accessible environments. In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we are honoured to welcome Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of the CNIB Foundation. Angela shares her invaluable...
In recognition of the International Day of Tolerance on November 16, we’re exploring the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding through meaningful conversations. In the latest episode of CCDI’s Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we welcome Sonia Sangha, Global Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader at IKEA, for a deep dive into tolerance in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). With over 20 years of experience shaped by global, national, and regional pers...
In today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we engage in a necessary and thought-provoking dialogue on Islamophobia in Canada, a pressing issue given the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, including current conflicts. We acknowledge that some listeners may find this discussion challenging and encourage you to proceed with care and self-compassion. Our guest, Mohammed Hashim, brings over two decades of expertise as a human rights advocate to shed light on these cr...
As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to recognize the truths of our shared history and to actively engage in reconciliation efforts. Building a racism-free workplace is an essential part of this ongoing journey, and learning from the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples is a key step forward. In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we are joined by Elijah Blackbird, Culture Manager ...
Happy International Youth Day! Today, we celebrate the power and potential of young people to shape a more inclusive and vibrant future. Our latest episode of the Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham podcast features Kevin Lawler and Rowan O’Grady from the Whiteboard Collective (WBC), who are passionately working to ensure that young people from all backgrounds have access to meaningful job opportunities. In this special episode, Kevin and Rowan share their inspiring vision for a society w...
Episode 6: Show Notes This summer, with Canada's natural beauty on full display, we acknowledge and express gratitude towards the original caretakers of this land. Today, we honour them here on the Leader Talks Podcast and reflect on our journey of learning and unlearning for progress. Committed to truth and reconciliation, we've partnered with many like-minded organizations, including the very impressive Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA). In t...
June is the perfect month for critical reflection, as the various causes that we rally for and celebrate help us remember our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable Canada. Today we are joined by one of Canada’s most prominent social entrepreneurs and foremost expert in Indigenous economic innovation and workplace inclusion strategies, Kelly Lendsay. As the Founder, President, and CEO of Indigenous Works (formerly the Aboriginal Human Resource Council), Kelly is geared toward ...
Célébrons la Journée internationale sans régime! Dans une société où les idées de corps parfait et d'objectifs de remise en forme sont constamment imposées aux gens sous la forme de soi-disant « conseils », elles sont également à l'origine d'un grand nombre de discriminations, de préjugés et d'inégalités sur le lieu de travail. Aujourd'hui, orientons la conversation vers la positivité corporelle et l'acceptation de soi, promouvons une relation plus saine avec la nourriture et rappelons-nous l...
In honour of International Women’s Day, we’re using today’s conversation to take a closer look at women’s rights, and what is being done to elevate women’s voices from all over Canada. Joining us in today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham is Shari Graydon, an award-winning author, speaker, print and broadcast columnist, and advocate for women’s rights. She is also the founder of Informed Opinions, a social mission project that seeks to amplify the voices of women and gender-diver...
Getting a job is proving difficult for many who have immigrated to Canada, even for those professionally qualified. More needs to be done to ensure that new and immigrant professionals are given a platform to earn their keep, and the more diverse, equitable, and inclusive those environments are, the better! In observation of Black History Month, and to help us dive deeper into this topic, we are joined by Nketti Johnston-Taylor for our new podcast episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham....
What does it take to transform a company from having virtually no diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to implementing a comprehensive strategy that spans the entire organization? To help us answer this question, we are joined by Normand St-Gelais for the first episode of season 3 of CCDI’s podcast, Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. Normand is Director of Corporate Responsibility at Sodexo, a dedicated long-term CCDI Founding Employer Partner. For Sodexo in Canada, his role encompasses Div...
In today's new podcast episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we're delving into the intricacies of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We've noticed the profound impact this war has had on colleges, teams, and workplaces. Sorting through the vast amount of information available is challenging as it's tough to discern the facts from the misleading or inaccurate information circulating. Joining us today is Brian Carwana, Executive Director at Encounter World Religions Centre...
Today’s special episode of Leader Talks commemorates Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which is an important observance on November 20th each year to honour the memory of the transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. To mark the occasion, we are joined by Marni Panas, a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP), human rights champion, and a sought-after keynote speaker who is dedicated to creating safer and more inclusive places where ever...